Designing with Love
What does it take to design learning experiences that truly work? Join Jackie Pelegrin, award-winning instructional designer and Grand Canyon University (GCU) adjunct instructor, as she explores instructional design, e-learning, and AI integration. Expect actionable tips, real-world insights, and conversations with students, alumni, and industry leaders shaping the future of learning.
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Goodpods Designing with Love
Designing learning with love, purpose, and heart.
This show explores instructional design, e-learning, and how to incorporate AI technology into different aspects of the field.
Tune in for expert tips, real-world insights, and inspiring stories from students, alumni, and leaders in the field.
New to Designing with Love?
149
Sept. 9, 2026
Myth: Interactivity Requires Fancy Tools
Interactivity is one of those words that sounds obvious until you try to design for it. If you’ve ever felt pressure to add branching scenarios, animations, or expensive eLearning interactions to prove a course is “engaging,” we’re calling that myth out directly: interactivity does not require fancy tools. In this episode, Jackie walks you through why this belief has lasted in instructional design and education, especially when stakeholders equate visual polish with learning value. We unpack th
145
Aug. 26, 2026
Myth: Engagement Means Entertainment
Clicking, laughing, and “having fun” can look like engagement, but it can also be a mirage. In this episode, Jackie unpacks a stubborn instructional design myth that shows up in classrooms, eLearning, and workplace training: engagement means entertainment. If you’ve ever felt pressure to add games, humor, flashy visuals, music, competition, or constant interaction to keep attention, this conversation will help you slow down and design with more intention. Jackie breaks down why the myth sticks
147
Sept. 2, 2026
Myth: AI Will Replace Instructional Designers
AI can generate a course outline, a script, and a quiz in seconds, so it’s easy to wonder if instructional designers are next on the replacement list. We slow that fear down and look at what’s actually happening when AI enters the learning design workflow, and why “fast content” is not the same thing as effective instruction. We unpack the myth “AI will replace instructional designers” and name the reason it sticks: AI outputs are visible, while the real work of instructional design often isn’t
Recent Episodes
151
Sept. 16, 2026
Myth: Class Size Doesn’t Affect Learning Quality
Class size is not a harmless detail; it’s a force that quietly rewrites the learning experience. When a course jumps from 15 learners to 75, the same discussion prompt can turn into noise, feedback timelines can stretch, and learners can feel invisible even when the content is strong. In this episode, Jackie is tackling a stubborn myth in instructional design and education: “Class size doesn’t affect learning quality.” She breaks down why this belief sticks around, including how class size is f
150
Sept. 13, 2026
Generative AI and Curriculum Design With Dr. Dwayne Wood
Generative AI is moving from “helpful tool” to something that can quietly shape how people think, write, and learn, and that changes everything about curriculum design. I sit down with Dr. Dwayne Wood, an experienced educator and curriculum developer with a background in military instruction, to unpack what generative AI in education actually means when you care about real learning outcomes, not just faster content production. We dig into the uncomfortable middle ground between banning AI and l
149
Sept. 9, 2026
Myth: Interactivity Requires Fancy Tools
Interactivity is one of those words that sounds obvious until you try to design for it. If you’ve ever felt pressure to add branching scenarios, animations, or expensive eLearning interactions to prove a course is “engaging,” we’re calling that myth out directly: interactivity does not require fancy tools. In this episode, Jackie walks you through why this belief has lasted in instructional design and education, especially when stakeholders equate visual polish with learning value. We unpack th
148
Sept. 6, 2026
How to Design Digital Training That Changes Behavior With Erick Prospero
Shiny training is everywhere right now, and a lot of it still fails the moment learners go back to work. We sit down with e-Learning strategist and Ninja Tropic CEO Erick Prospero to get honest about what “engaging” digital learning actually means when outcomes are on the line. If your organization is adding video, animation, gamification, or AI tools and hoping that fixes attention and performance, this conversation gives you a sharper standard: engagement only counts when it drives a real purp
Recent Blog Posts
Sept. 16, 2026
The Myth of Class Size and Learning Quality: What You Need to Know
In the world of instructional design and education, one common belief often surfaces: class size does not affect learning quality. This myth can be misleading and oversimplifies the complexities of learning environments. In this post, we will explor…
Sept. 13, 2026
The Impact of Generative AI on Curriculum Design: What Educators Need to Know With Dr. Dwayne Wood
Generative AI is transforming the landscape of education, prompting many educators to rethink how they design courses and learning experiences. In this post, we’ll delve into the implications of generative AI on academic curricula, drawing insights …
Sept. 9, 2026
Interactivity Requires Fancy Tools: Debunking a Common Myth
In the world of instructional design, a prevalent myth persists: interactivity requires fancy tools. This belief can mislead educators into thinking that without advanced software or complex platforms, their learning experiences will fall flat. Howe…
About the Host
Jackie Pelegrin
Award-Winning Instructional Designer, College Professor, Consultant, and Podcast Host
Jackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an award-winning instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an award-winning adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.